WMAA CEO signs off

While my time with WMAA has been shorter than originally anticipated, I believe that we have achieved a lot in 12 months.

Not only does WMAA have a new brand with all communications pieces having a new look and feel, but we have also revamped membership offerings, including our fortnightly e-news publication. WMAA now also has a new three year strategy and has increased its profile in the media and with our political decision makers. In addition, the creation of the Peak Membership category now means that the CEOs of SUEZ and Remondis Australia Pty Ltd are now members of the WMAA Board of Directors.

Additionally, the Clean Energy Regulator is exploring an alternative process to purchase low cost abatement in the future and have released a market sounding paper for consultation.

Victorian Litter Innovation Fund - Round 2 applications now open

The Victorian Litter Innovation Fund, which is part of the Victorian Litter Plan, provides support to Victorian local governments, businesses, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises and schools, to fund innovative approaches that prevent and reduce the impact of litter and illegal dumping.

Round 2 applications are now open.

Chinese Association of Circular Economy - Australian e-waste site tour

The Chinese Association of Circular Economy (CACE) is sending a delegation to Australia to conduct site tours of e-waste facilities and meet key personnel in the industry. CACE wishes to see firsthand the industry leaders in Australia and gain an appreciation of government policy.

The delegation will be here from 18 to 27 September and will visit TES AMM in Sydney; ECycle and Aspitech in SA; Boorondara City Council, Toxfree, Moonee Valley Council, and Close the Loop in Melbourne; Endeavour Foundation, as well as meet with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Queensland).

Update: Victoria’s e-waste landfill ban

Nationally, e-waste is growing three times more than general municipal waste. The Victorian Government intends to ban e-waste from landfill by late 2017.

A number of stakeholder workshops were held during August to test the benefits and considerations of the proposed approached to the ban. Feedback gathered will be used to develop a cost benefit analysis and inform a Regulatory Impact Statement in late 2016.

.

Consultation on Gippsland Waste & Resource Recovery plan

The Gippsland Waste and Resource Recovery Group (GWRRG) is the sixth of six non-metro waste groups in Victoria to release their draft Regional Waste and Resource Recovery Implementation Plan.

Feedback is sought during the public consultation period, which closes Friday 23 September 2016.

.

Is there a future for waste to energy in the Middle East?

MEMBER ONLY CONTENT

Governments across the Middle East are spending millions in managing waste by converting it to energy in specially designated facilities, making the region a potential prime waste-to-energy investment hotspot.

A recently produced short report outlines the current and future waste-to-energy projects in the region.

.

Welcome to WMAA new members

WMAA would like to welcome its newest members. We look forward to working closely with you to promote the value of our industry and to ensure the best possible outcomes for you.

ISWA's monthly Scientific Journal

MEMBER ONLY CONTENT

Waste Management and Research is an ISWA monthly journal, publishing articles relating to both the theory and practice of waste management and research.

OTHER NEWS: Take responsibility for e-waste disposal

The world is producing ever more electrical and electronic waste. The quantity of dumped computers, telephones, televisions and appliances doubled between 2009 and 2014, to 42 million tonnes per year globally.

Developed countries, especially in North America and Europe, produce the most e-waste. The United States generates the largest amount, and China the second most.

OTHER NEWS: $668m on disruptive tech innovations for waste and recycling

Innovations in software, data analytics, and robotics for the waste and recycling industry have benefitted from $668 million of funding since 2011, according to a new report from Lux Research.

The Boston, US based strategic intelligence firm said that material recycling innovations received the most funding among ‘circular economy’ technologies, which it defined as being "innovations that reduce waste or convert waste into valuable new products".

OTHER NEWS: Should you be buying the new iPhone?

Sue Williams, whose documentary Death by Design examines the human and environmental costs of creating our latest tech gadgets and disposing of our old ones, argues for slowing down our rampant obsession with new gadgets.

"[...] every two years there's going to be a new model and you've got to get it, but I would just say why, when your current one is working fine", says Williams.

You are receiving this newsletter because you are a valued contact of the Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) and we would like to keep you informed about our products, services & activities. To unsubscribe, simply click here and we will remove you from our mailing list immediately. Disclaimer: This Email is only for general information and is not to be taken as a substitute for specific advice. Views expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the WMAA.WMAA may use virus scanning software, but makes no representation or warranty regarding the virus free status of this message or of any attachment. The opening of any attachment is at the recipient's risk and WMAA shall not be responsible for any consequences of so doing.